EFCC moves to get all Patience Jonathan’s assets

The EFCC is set to move for the recovery of all Patience Jonathan’s assets

The anti-graft agency claimed some agencies are not cooperating with this

A source claimed the agency is firm on getting the assets

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to take over assets allegedly owned by former first lady, Patience Jonathan following her move that was contrary to resolution of the Peace Committee.

According to report, the Abdulsalami Abubakar-led Peace Committee allegedly brokered a deal between the anti-graft agency and the former first family that they would not be called for interrogation in corruption cases as long as proceeds gotten illegally were surrendered.

The Nation reports that Patience Jonathan’s approaching a court concerning the freezing of her account affected the agreement.

A source said: “Part of the deal was that any loot or suspicious asset traced to the former first family might be mutually discussed and quietly returned.

“But the deal went awry when the ex-First Lady decided to approach the court to seek the enforcement of her fundamental human rights and to challenge the freezing of her accounts.”

It was reported that the EFCC has set out to get all assets owned by the former first lady although it was proving difficult due to relevant agencies in Bayelsa and Port Harcourt refusing to cooperate by releasing the titles.

According to The Nation, some of the properties include “the assets in Bayelsa are two marble duplexes at Otioko GRA by Isaac Boro Expressway; a Glass House on Sani Abacha Expressway; Akemfa Etie Plaza by AP filling Station, Melford Okilo Road; and Aridolf Resort, Wellness and Spa on Sani Abacha Expressway.

Others in Port Harcourt are former Customs Service Officers Mess; two duplexes at 2/3, Bauchi Street; landed property with blocks at Ambowei Street; 3 Luxury apartments of four-bedroom each at Ambowei Street; and Grand View Hotel on Airport Road.

A source said: “Investigations into the assets traced to the ex-First Lady have been completed. What is left is retrieving the land titles of these suspicious assets. But some land registries are not cooperating with us.

”We cannot allow these assets to continue to deteriorate. Very soon, we will apply for the final forfeiture of the affected assets – in line with our mandate. We will apply to the court for the final forfeiture of the assets to give room for those who owned the properties to come forward. We want to put the assets into public use like we have done in some cases of those implicated in the $2.1billion arms deals.

“Acting on orders from above, some officers in the Ministry of Lands in Rivers State have been blocking EFCC’s access to vital documents.

“If they continue, we will take action against such officers for obstructing this agency from doing its work.

“We have made them to realise that by virtue of Section 7 of the EFCC Act , these officers are expected to cooperate with us.”

Meanwhile, Justice Mojisola Olaterogun of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos state fixed September 24, 2017 for hearing in the application by the EFCC seeking a final forfeiture order on the sum of $5.8 million, allegedly belonging to Patience Jonathan.

According to the EFCC, the adjournment came following an order by the Court of Appeal on stay of proceedings sought by Jonathan.

The court had, on April 26, 2017, ordered an interim forfeiture of the money following an ex-parte motion filed by the EFCC.